Post-16 Choices

Choosing what to do after leaving secondary school is one of the most important decisions of your child’s life. By the end of the academic year 2013, every student will have to be in some form of recognised education and training up to the age of 17. This rises to 18 by 2015. Some will already have a clear idea of what they want to do whilst others will need guidance and support.

A levels and beyond

Some students may already know that they want to go to university and even which career they want to go into. If this sounds like your son or daughter, direct them to the UCAS website, bestcourse4me, and individual university websites for advice on which A levels they will need to take to get into specific courses and careers.

Russell Group Informed Choices Document:  http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/informed-choices.aspx

Which? University Guide: http://university.which.co.uk/

Other choices

Many students leaving Staindrop choose to continue their education at a sixth form or college but there are other choices too, such as getting a job with training. What is most important is that your child chooses the course or training to suit both their skills and aspirations.

After GCSEs, there are 3 main pathways to choose from and making the decision between the different pathways needs careful thought.

• Full time, general academic study e.g. A levels, offered at schools and colleges
• Work based learning e.g apprenticeships, learning on the job but also with a learning provider
• Part time, work-related learning e.g I day per week with a learning provider if employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20+ hours each week.

The following websites and documents may prove useful in helping make a decision.

Apprenticeships Search: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk

National Careers Service:  0800 100 900  www.direct.gov.uk/NationalCareersService

To further explore your career choices visit www.plotr.co.uk